East Texas Showdown
“The Trees are Calling”
In 2021 when Patrick created the East Texas Showdown, he thought he was servicing a need in his home state. We quickly learned that there is a draw to this event that pulls from all over the country and, now, internationally. In 2023 we sold out 200 spots in 4 hours, that’s when we knew we really had something special.
It was always the goal to provide a safe, fun, approachable event with community building being the primary motivator. What we couldn’t have imagined were the hundreds of friendships that formed and strengthen each year. I think most people who’ve been will agree, it’s become a family gathering, and we can’t wait to see our family again in 2024!
Texas has a shortage of Public Lands, but the ETS takes advantage of two large swatches of public lands, the Sam Houston NF and Davy Crocket NF. This area is known for its Loblolly Pine Trees and often referred to as the “Texas Pine Curtain”. The route was created with the goal of taking riders to the most remote parts of East Texas on the most obscure and forgotten roads we could find, while avoiding major city centers, opting instead for rural towns and communities off the beaten path. We want even the locals to be wondering “what the heck are ya doing way out here”?
When: March 21st – 24th
Where: Bullet Grill in Point Blank, TX
Registration: Opens Sept. 21st at 12pm CST
Spots Available: 240
EAST TEXAS SHOWDOWN
The East Texas Showdown is a traditional bikepacking race. Riders will be timed and awards will be given for first, second and third place winners.
400 miles, 17,500 ft. of climbing, 2 National Forest, 60/40 Gravel/Pavement, 1 million dogs to help you go fast, 100% East Texas.
This is an opportunity to look yourself smack in your own damn face and see what you’re made of.
EAST TEXAS SLOWDOWN
The East Texas Slowdown is for riders looking to slow it on down. There will be awards, but now for going fast. More like “Proslow” for the final finisher, “Fauxslow” for the fastest of the slow, amongst others.
Looking for something a little less extreme? How about a 280 mile version so you can slow down and pet the dogs.
EAST TEXAS LOWDOWN
The Lowdown is a new event for 2023. This is NOT a race, it’s bikepacking ride. We will not track your time, no one will care if you go fast. Well, your mom will still care, but we won’t.
There will be a designated group campsite on Friday evening with a bonfire and beverages for all LOWdown’ers. The BoD Team will also be there to share in the camaRADerie and storytelling that is sure to take place. Group camping is not required, but the more the merrier!
Awards for: Ride Bikes Be Rad, Good Energy Award, Best Dressed, Best on Course Photography, and more!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, March 21st
5:00pm ~ Racer Check In
7:00pm ~ Pre-race meeting
8:00pm ~ Go to sleep or grab a beer
Friday, March 22nd
6:00am ~ Late racer check in
7:00am ~ Group start, neutral roll out
Saturday, March 23rd
All Day ~ Ride your Damn Bike
Sunday, March 24th
6pm ~ After Party Starts: Live Music, Raffle, Awards
8pm ~ Fin officially*
*The Bullet will remain open till 10pm
***There is no deadline or cutoff for the race***
BULLET GRILL HEADQUARTERS
The Bullet Grill in Point Blank, TX serves as Headquarters for this event. Their facility, staff, food, and beer are the perfect paring to our event.
Camping: Most people will be arriving for ETS on Thursday night, which means you’ll need a place to camp that night (and possibly additional nights throughout the weekend). The Bullet Grill House was gracious enough to clear an area behind their restaurant for us last year and it was perfect for car camping for our riders. However, there is not capacity for all 200 of you beautiful people to camp, but we’ve rounded up a few other options in the area. The Bullet will be first come, first serve, so if you know you’ll be arriving late Thursday or will need a spot another night over the weekend, you might want to check out these other options.
Four Notch Hunter’s Camp – This is primitive camping in the National Forest with no fees associated with it and lots of space.
Big Woods Hunter’s Camp – This is primitive camping in the National Forest with no fees associated with it and lots of space.
Wolf Creek Park – A variety of camping options, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
Huntsville State Park – A variety of camping options, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
Double Lake Campground – A variety of camping options, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
On the Lake (Formerly Lake Livingston KOA) – A variety of camping options and cabins, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
Of course, there are other camping or lodging options available around the area. If you have any further questions about this, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Showers: Bullet Grill had an outdoor shower installed for event participants to use before or after their ride.
Restrooms: There are port-o-potties onsite for all participantsFood & Drinks: The Bullet serves some damn good food and drinks. You can check our their offerings here.
Live Music: On Sunday night we will have live music featuring some of the best local artist.